Rebalance, Reboot, and Restore

The holidays are all about family, community, and sharing—and indulging in those glorious pies or buttery side dishes are offered at the holiday table. Being present and partaking in the festivities is actually a boon for your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. So, this year, let your health-foodie-hair down and relish each bite, knowing that this balanced five-day plan can get you back on track.

During the next five days, focus on the following five principles:

1. Anti-inflammatory foods: Combat harmful inflammation from sugar, dairy, and alcohol with ample fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, spices and quality fats (such as avocado, nuts, and seeds).2. Fat + fiber + protein: Make sure this trifecta appears in your meals to keep your blood sugar balanced and your stomach satiated, so you don't continue to overeat.3. Hydration: Start each day with a glass of filtered water plus the juice of half of a lemon. Continue drinking water and herbal teas throughout the day, and coconut water after exercising.4. Exercise: Get back into your usual fitness routine, or commit to at least 30 minutes a day of something that gets your heart rate going.5. Balance: This meal plan is packed with flavorful dishes, including nightly treats, so you look forward to each day instead of feeling deprived. If you happen to stray off course, be gentle with yourself and remember that every meal is a new opportunity for your health.

Day 1

To start: Filtered water with lemon plus 1 cup Yerba Mate tea, an herbal tea that’s naturally energizing but it won’t give you jitters like caffeine can.Breakfast:Balance and Recharge Smoothie Bowl. The magic of this recipe is that it contains mostly veggies, but all you’ll taste is the delicious combination of blueberry and ginger.Morning snack: Enjoy 1/3 cup hummus mixed with minced dill, served with sliced cucumber for dipping.Lunch:Cozy Autumn Kale Salad with Figs and Hazelnuts. Top with tuna for extra protein if you like.Afternoon snack: 1 cup sliced jicama drizzled with maple syrup and lime juice and 1/4 cup Brazil nuts. These nuts are a great source of selenium, which we need for a healthy immune system.Dinner: Garlic shrimp over zucchini noodles and roasted almonds. (And don't miss these 12 sensational spiralized veggie recipes for more vegetable noodles ideas!)Nighttime treat: 1/2 cup raspberries drizzled with 1 square melted dark chocolate and 2 teaspoons coconut flakes. This antioxidant-packed snack is the perfect way to end your first day on this rebalancing plan.

Day 4

To start: Filtered water with lemon plus 1 cup Dandy Blend.Breakfast: 1 small baked sweet potato with walnuts, coconut oil, and a sprinkle of coconut sugar. Staving off a cold? This breakfast, packed with vitamins A and C, will come to the rescue.Morning snack: 1 pear, sliced and topped with tahini paste and a sprinkle of cardamom. Savory unlike almond butter, tahini is teeming with calcium for strong bones.Lunch: 2 slices All for One cashew sandwich bread with roasted turkey, Dijon mustard, sundried tomatoes, and arugula. Make several loaves of this grain-free recipe and freeze for those times when you’re craving bread. (For more ideas how to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, check out these recipes!)Afternoon snack: Roasted chickpeas: Drain and pat chickpeas dry and roast until crispy and golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Dinner: Cauliflower "Rice:" Chop cauliflower into florets and place in a food processor. Process 1 to 2 minutes or until “rice-like” consistency is reached. Sauté with edamame, cashews, scallions, grated ginger, and sesame oil. When enjoyed in moderation, whole soy foods like edamame are healthy sources of protein and vitamins nutrients such as zinc.Nighttime treat:Apple Cider Muffin with honey-cinnamon drizzle and chamomile tea. These can also moonlight for breakfast or as snacks, topped with nut butter. Chamomile tea is shown to promote relaxation and calmness.